The Bill Russell Scale: How It Shapes the NBA Landscape
In its third season, The Bill Russell Scale has emerged as a pivotal tool in the world of NBA rankings, shedding light on the league’s greatest players of all time. Designed to create an unbiased ranking of the top 75 players in NBA history, the Bill Russell Scale utilizes a unique scoring system that encompasses various aspects of a player’s career. In this article, we delve into the intricacies of the Bill Russell Scale, discuss its significance, and analyze how it impacts the NBA landscape.
Understanding the Bill Russell Scale
The Bill Russell Scale was developed in 2021 with the intention of crafting a ranking system that eliminates bias and focuses on objective criteria. To establish the criteria, the creators of the scale looked back at the NBA’s 50th-anniversary team, which included a selection of players based on their career achievements. The criteria used for the Bill Russell Scale encompass the following:
MVPs, All-Stars, and All-NBA Selections
The scale considers the inclusion of players who achieved MVP status, were selected to the All-Star Game multiple times, and received All-NBA honors. This not only acknowledges a player’s individual excellence but also their consistent impact on the league.
Playoff Performance
A player’s performance in the playoffs is crucial. Those who have consistently excelled in the postseason are given higher scores, reflecting their ability to shine when it matters most.
Championship Leadership
Being the face of a championship-winning team post-merger between the BAA and NBL is another key factor. This category underscores the importance of a player’s leadership in delivering NBA titles.
Finals MVPs
The Bill Russell Scale takes into account the Finals MVP awards won by players, highlighting their exceptional contributions during the most critical moments in NBA history.
Scoring and Efficiency
Career scoring totals and Player Efficiency Rating (PER) are considered, emphasizing both a player’s ability to put points on the board and their efficiency in doing so.
Consistency and Legacy
The scale factors in a player’s number of All-Star appearances, All-NBA selections, top-five MVP finishes, and regular-season MVP awards, recognizing the consistent quality of their performance.
Bill Russell’s Legacy
Bill Russell himself serves as the gold standard for the Bill Russell Scale. His extraordinary career, marked by 11 championships in 13 seasons and numerous accolades, sets the benchmark for excellence.
The Bill Russell Scale’s 100-Point System
The Bill Russell Scale employs a 100-point scoring system that considers various aspects of a player’s career. Here are the key components that contribute to a player’s score:
Average PER and Playoff PER
A player’s average Player Efficiency Rating (PER) and playoff PER are taken into account. Russell’s average PER and playoff PER serve as the maximum score in this category.
Regular-Season Win Shares
Russell’s regular-season win shares divided by 10 form the basis for this category’s maximum score.
Career Scoring Total
A player’s career scoring total divided by 1,000 contributes to their score, with Russell’s career as the reference point.
All-Star Appearances and All-NBA Selections
The number of times a player was selected to the All-Star Game and received All-NBA honors influences their score.
MVP Finishes, Championships, and Finals MVP Awards
The Bill Russell Scale considers a player’s number of top-five MVP finishes, combined championships and Finals MVP awards, as well as regular-season MVP awards.
Rings and Finals MVPs
Players are rewarded for combining NBA championships with Finals MVP awards. This category is particularly relevant for players of the caliber of Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and LeBron James.
The Top Players According to the Bill Russell Scale
As of the latest assessment, the Bill Russell Scale has ranked the top 75 players in NBA history. The rankings are as follows:
- Bill Russell
- Michael Jordan
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
- LeBron James
- Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, Kobe Bryant
- Wilt Chamberlain, Shaquille O’Neal
- Larry Bird
- Bob Pettit, Oscar Robertson, Karl Malone
- Hakeem Olajuwon
- Jerry West
- Kevin Durant
- Moses Malone
- John Havlicek
- Dirk Nowitzki
- Kevin Garnett, David Robinson, Chris Paul
- Charles Barkley
- Bob Cousy
- Stephen Curry
- Dolph Schayes
- James Harden
- George Mikan
- Elgin Baylor
- Dwyane Wade
- John Stockton
- Patrick Ewing
- Julius Erving
- Dwight Howard
- Scottie Pippen
- Russell Westbrook
- Elvin Hayes
- Steve Nash
- Gary Payton
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Paul Arizin, Allen Iverson
- George Gervin, Clyde Drexler
- Rick Barry, Jason Kidd
- Dominique Wilkins
- Paul Pierce
- Robert Parish
- Isiah Thomas
- Sam Jones
- Carmelo Anthony
- Walt Frazier
- Ray Allen
- Pau Gasol
- Tracy McGrady
- Tony Parker
- Hal Greer
- Damian Lillard
- Bill Sharman, Nikola Jokić
- Anthony Davis
- Chris Bosh
- Willis Reed, Reggie Miller
- Kawhi Leonard
- LaMarcus Aldridge
- Dave Cowens, Kevin McHale
- Chauncey Billups
- Paul George
- Grant Hill
- Bob McAdoo
- Jerry Lucas
- Bob Lanier, Vince Carter
Evolving Rankings and Future Prospects
As we observe the evolution of the Bill Russell Scale, certain trends become evident. Notably, the scale is dynamic, with players shifting in the rankings from season to season. Some observations from recent assessments include:
- Kevin Durant’s continued ascent on the scale, nearing Jerry West’s position.
- Stephen Curry’s steady climb, solidifying his status as an all-time great.
- Nikola Jokić’s remarkable surge from outside the top 75 to a tie for 60th.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s impressive rise, moving from the 50th position to the 40th.
The Bill Russell Scale, with its intricate criteria, encourages players to strive for excellence in multiple aspects of their careers. It becomes a benchmark for determining the legacy and greatness of NBA players.
The Future of the Bill Russell Scale
Looking ahead, it’s intriguing to consider which players may make their mark on the Bill Russell Scale in the near future. With the right combination of achievements, several current players have the potential to break into the top 75. Players such as Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, DeMar DeRozan, and Joel Embiid are closing in on the coveted 75th spot. Meanwhile, young talents like Luka Dončić and Jay